oppose it, till Numitorius, the girl's
uncle, and Icilius came forth from the crowd. The lictor cried,
"Sentence has been given," and bade Icilius give place. Then Icilius
turned to Appius, saying, "Appius, thou must drive me hence with the
sword before thou canst have thy will in this matter. This maiden is my
espoused wife; and verily, though thou call hither all thy lictors and
the lictors of thy colleagues, she shall not remain in any house save
the house of her father."

To this Appius, seeing that the multitude was greatly moved and were
ready to break forth into open violence, made this reply: "Icilius cares
not for Virginia, but being a lover of sedition and tumult, seeks an
occasion for strife. Such occasion I will not give him to-day. But that
he may know that I yield not to his insolence, but have regard to the
rights of a father, I pronounce no sentence. I ask of Marcus Claudius
that he will concede something of his right, and suffer surety to be
given for the girl against the morrow. But if on the morrow the father
be not present here, then I tell Icilius and his fellows that he who is
the author of this law will not fail to execute it. Neither will I call
in the lictors of my colleagues to put down them that raise a tumult.
For this my own lictors shall suffice."

So much time being thus gained, it seemed good to the friends of the
maiden that the son of Numitorius and the brother of Icilius, young men
both of them and active, should hasten with all speed to the camp, and
bring Virginius thence as quickly as might be. So the two set out, and
putting their horses to their full speed, carried tidings of the matter
to the father. As for Appius, he sat awhile on the judgment-seat,
waiting for other business to be brought before him, for he would not
have it seem that he had come for this cause only; but finding that
there was none, and indeed the people were wholly intent on the matter
of Virginia, he departed to his own house. Thence he sent an epistle to
his colleagues that were at the camp, saying, "Grant no leave of absence
to Virginius, but keep him in safe custody with you." But this availed
nothing, for already, before ever the epistle was brought to the camp,
at the very first watch of the night, Virginius had set forth.

When Virginius was come to the city, it being then early dawn, he put on
mean apparel, as was the custom with such as were in danger of life or
liberty, and carried about his daugh